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This 7 day tour to Southern Namibia visits the Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, Sossusvlei and the seaside resort of Swakopmund.
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Route/Activities |
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1
Kalahari |
You will be collected from your Windhoek hotel during early morning and drive via Rehoboth towards the Kalahari Desert. Rehoboth is just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and is the capital of Namibia’s Baster community. Optional lunch stop en route (on own account). We continue into the Kalahari.
During late afternoon we participate in a guided scenic drive in an open vehicle to learn about the flora and fauna, which have adapted to live in these harsh conditions. The yellow grass and sparse trees contrast with the flamboyant red dunes of this marvellous landscape. We overnight at Auob Lodge, which is situated near the name-giving Auob River at the edge of the Kalahari Desert. The lodge is considered an oasis in this dry landscape. |
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2
Fish River Canyon |
Today our journey takes us through the Kalahari to the Quiver Tree forest, situated north of Keetmanshoop. The name Quiver Tree refers to the Bushmen’s ancient custom of hollowing out the tree’s branches and using them as quivers in which to carry their hunting arrows. About 300 specimens of this prehistoric tree reach upward with their forked branches and grow amongst dolerite boulders. This is a much-favoured topic for photographers. On average these trees grow about 3 m - 5 m tall and produce bright yellow flowers during the winter months. The botanical name of the Quiver Tree, Aloe dichotoma, refers to the way in which the branches grow. Di means two and toma means branches i.e. the branches of the tree always forks in two’s as it grows. Kudus eat the leaves of this tree, as this apparently acts as a repellent to parasites once absorbed into the blood stream. At Keetmanshoop we stop for a light lunch (on own account). Thereafter we continue via the Naute Dam (Namibia’s second largest), to the Fish River Canyon. This is the second largest canyon in the world. It took hundreds of millions of years to evolve into its current shape and is today 161 km long and up to 27 km wide in some places. The depth varies from 457 m to 549 m. The vantage points offer a breathtaking view over the northern fringes. The Cañon Lodge stands proudly amongst impressive granite boulders in seemingly abandoned surroundings. The lodge consists of thatch-roofed bungalows each having natural rock walls. |
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3
Luderitz |
We travel via Aus to the diamond town Lüderitz. There is a possibility to see the feral horses on entering the Namib Desert. It is remarkable how well these animals have adapted to this harsh environment. Enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way. Lüderitz is a fascinating old German town full of character and a nostalgic atmosphere, trapped between the desiccating sands of the Namib and the freezing waters of the South Atlantic’s Benguela current. This town became known at the turn of the century when the first diamond was found in this area. During the late afternoon we enjoy a scenic drive around the southern peninsula. The Nest Hotel is situated on the shore and offers an outstanding cuisine and all rooms are sea-facing. |
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4
Sesriem Area |
After breakfast we visit Kolmanskop, a ghost town that was abandoned over 40 years ago and now gives a fascinating insight into the area’s great diamond boom. A few of the buildings have been restored, but many are left exactly as they were deserted. The surrounding dunes are gradually burying the houses, creating an eerie atmosphere. We continue towards Maltahöhe. A lunch stop is held at a lodge or guest farm along our way (on own account). En route to tonight’s accommodation we stop at the Duwisib Castle, which was built by Baron von Wolff for his American wife Jayta in 1909. Building material and antique furniture and fittings were shipped over from Germany. It is said that Baron von Wolff wanted to breed horses here, yet his dream never came true as he died during the First World War. Hammerstein Rest Camp is situated between the Nubib and Tsaris Mountains. The surrounding scenery is beautiful. |
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5
Sossusvlei |
Early morning visit to Sossusvlei, a large clay pan, which is surrounded by possibly the highest dunes in the world and is only filled with water in years when exceptionally good rainfall is received in the catchments of the Tsauchab River. From the 2x4 car park we are ‘shuttled’ into the heart of the vlei. This is a photographer’s paradise. We visit the Sesriem Canyon, which was formed over millions of years by the Tsauchab River. It is said that this canyon got its name during the time of the ox wagons, when a person had to use six harness straps to haul water from the bottom of the canyon to the top. The bungalows of Rostock Ritz are in the shape of igloos, integrated into the surroundings. From the balcony of your room you have a spectacular view. Rostock Ritz also offers an excellent a la Carte kitchen. Enjoy the solitude and vastness of the desert landscape. |
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6
Swakopmund |
The route takes us through the Kuiseb Canyon towards the coast. A packed lunch will be enjoyed en route. The unique Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant which grows older than 1000 years, is endemic to the Namib Desert. The plant produces only two leaves throughout its lifespan, but the desert winds tear at the fibrous leaves leaving them shredded into strips. We travel through the bizarre Moon landscape before arriving in Swakopmund.
Swakopmund is a popular holiday resort today, but during the colonial time at the turn of the century, it had a very important function as a harbour town. The many old buildings from that era give the town a special charming flair. The name of the town is derived from the river which enters the Atlantic just south of the town. The four stars Hansa Hotel is renowned for its seafood specialities. |
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7
Windhoek |
We undertake a morning excursion to Walvis Bay, Namibia’s only deep-water harbour. We also visit the lagoon, where one can see up to hundreds of the beautiful flamingos and many other seabirds. Afterwards we continue inland towards the towns of Usakos and Karibib, where we visit Henckert’s Centre. In Okahandja we stop at the Kavango handicraft market, the last opportunity en route to purchase a souvenir such as wood carvings and clay pots. |
Note: Itinerary Description Text supplied by tour operator
| Vital Statistics - Southern Namibia Tour | |
| Tour Duration | 7 Days |
| Departure | Departs every Saturday |
| Rate | valid until 31 October 2008 N$ 10 990 per person sharing N$ 1 285 additional fee for single room |
| Mode of Transport | microbuses or small Mercedes Bus |
| Group Size | 1 - 10 people |
| Tour includes | Overland trips and all sightseeing as per itinerary. Overnight in double rooms in hotels and rest camps. English & German speaking tour guide. |
| Tour excludes | Expenses for personal belongings e.g. drinks and telephone calls as well as tips for the tour guide and in restaurants. |
| Note | Accommodation establishments and route subject to change |